Friends, teammates honor hayride crash victim two years later

OAKLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) — Two years ago, a night of fun turned tragic as a haunted hayride traveled out of control and crashed at a farm in Mechanic Falls.

The promising life of a 17-year-old was cut short when Cassidy Charette was killed in the crash. Cassidy was a gifted athlete who played on the Messalonskee High School soccer team.

Both the girl's and boy's soccer teams came together Tuesday to honor her. Before the boy's game, they formed No. 11 on the field. It was Cassidy Charette’s favorite number and the one she wore for her team.

“She died two years ago today on this day and we're honoring her because soccer was a big part of her life and definitely something she was passionate about," Cassidy's friend Molly Calkin said. "So going on the field and forming her number 11 is something really special to us."

On this day, it was Cassidy’s brother, Colby, who shared a connection with his sister — the No. 11. It gives him a sense of pride to wear it when he suits up for the boy's team.

“Yes, it certainly does," he said. "I think it's very special for my family as well to see 11 play again."

While no one in this community will soon forget what happened on the farm two years ago, Cassidy’s family would rather focus on all the good that has happened in her name since then. More than $150,000 has been raised for charities and causes close to Cassidy’s heart as part of an effort called Shine on Cass.